Revving up for a road trip

Drivers should have a plan for help if their car breaks down while traveling. Roadside assistance plans are available from multiple organizations, including auto insurance companies, auto manufacturers and credit card companies, Ward says.

Some plans are free. For example, emergency services from automakers are often offered as a complimentary perk after buying a new car.

Other roadside assistance plans with more comprehensive coverage -- such as the premier service from the AAA auto club -- can cost more than $100.

Some auto insurance policies offer roadside assistance as optional coverage, Crawley says. The extra cost could be as little as $15 for a six-month policy, he says.

But prices and specific benefits vary, Ward says.

"Some assistance plans have restrictions on how far they'll tow a car," Ward says. "Other roadside assistance plans allow you to use a car rental for a short period of time (free of charge) if your car is inoperable."

Bankrate wants to hear from you and encourages thoughtful and constructive comments. We ask that you stay focused on the story topic, respect other people's opinions, and avoid profanity, offensive statements, illegal contents and advertisement posts. Comments are not reviewed before they are posted. Bankrate reserves the right (but is not obligated) to edit or delete your comments. Please avoid posting private or confidential information, and also keep in mind that anything you post may be disclosed, published, transmitted or reused. We do not permit the inclusion of hyperlinks in comments and may remove any comment that includes a hyperlink.

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. Bankrate may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on certain links posted on this website.